Transforming Science Instruction with Interactive Whiteboard Systems

This course will introduce you to the transformative possibilities that interactive whiteboard systems can have on your science curriculum. An interactive whiteboard system is comprised of many separate components from many companies, but when integrated into a whole system, it becomes a powerful instructional tool in the hands of a trained teacher. The first section of this course will provide a brief overview of different digital whiteboard systems and current research of their effectiveness in the classroom. The next section will build a strong foundation of skills necessary to successfully control the hardware and software used. These skills include basic operations, manipulating graphics and objects, overlay tools, and integrating peripheral products. The last section will show you how to integrate these skills into several science lessons which then you will apply this knowledge to create a lesson of your own. This course features over 45 videos comprising over five hours of core video-based training, allowing you to see a credentialed teacher/ certified trainer actually using an interactive whiteboard system. The skills and their integration into science instruction covered in this course are designed to be transferable to any hardware or software platform.
Please Note:

Although having access to any brand of digital whiteboard is not required, it will greatly enhance your learning experience. Most of the software applications referenced are available as free downloadable trials and are compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

Most lessons in this course demonstrate hardware and software features through the use of core and auxiliary videos. Core videos, which are embedded in the web page, have been created and professionally produced specifically for this course and feature a digital whiteboard system from SMART Technologies. Auxiliary videos, which can be accessed via web links, have been produced by others and feature different digital whiteboard systems
Participants will:

Identify components of an interactive whiteboard system

Discuss current research in instructional technology as it applies to your classroom

Understand how to use specific skills including basic operations, manipulating graphics and objects, overlay tools, and integrating peripheral products

Practice using software used in an interactive whiteboard system

Identify how skills covered in this course can enhance and transform many science lessons

Apply skills learned in this course to develop your own science lesson

Discuss challenges and successes in using interactive whiteboard systems in your classroom

Instructor: Carolyn A Herron

How do I sign up?Register as usual using the LAPDA Registration for REGISTER HERE. For graduate credit, Download the Grad Reg Form Here complete and submit the Union Institute Credit Registration form to LAPDA prior to commencing the course. Once your registration has been processed, which may take to a week, you will receive a course code via email from LAPDA with instructions on how to sign in to access the course. The course must be completed within 105 days. Upon completion, your grade will be submitted to Union Institute then you can request your transcript within 4 weeks.